(Newswire.net — August 9, 2019) — Distracted driving in Edmonton, Alberta, account for up to 30% of collisions annually. From eating to texting, there are common distractions that can end up costing you big time. Luckily, there are easy ways to decrease your risks of distracted driving accidents.
BRB, Gotta Drive
Texting makes you 23 times more likely to be in a car crash. That alone should be enough to convince you to save that text for later. But there’s a catch – even if you don’t cause a collision, if you’re caught with a handheld device while behind the wheel, you face a $287 fine. You’ll also get three demerit points on your driving record. If you’re a repeat offender, those demerit points will cause your license to be suspended as well.
If you’re in a collision as a result of distracted driving, the consequences can be far worse than a strain on your bank account. Car crashes are a frequent contributor to traumatic brain injury. Aside from lasting issues, it can prevent you from working, and cause medical bills to pile up. It’s often a challenge to understand the legal process if you’ve been injured in an accident. For victims of brain injury, Edmonton attorneys are a good place to start on the road to compensation.
If you want to talk on the phone, you must use a hands-free device in Edmonton. The only exception is using your phone to make a 911 call. Otherwise, that text or call isn’t worth $287, or worse.
Leave the Food at the Table
Or the couch, or your desk; wherever you prefer. Just avoid eating behind the wheel. Eating is a typical distraction that puts you at risk. Having only one hand to drive is already asking for trouble. It only takes looking away from the road for a few seconds to cause a crash.
There’s another hidden cost of distracted driving. Tickets are the death of your clean driving record, which can raise your car insurance premiums by as much as $500 yearly. The financial burdens are heavy. That burrito bowl can turn expensive if you don’t save it for later.
It’s worth noting that eating snacks and drinking non-alcoholic drinks are not ticketable offenses. Use common sense, and be safe. A bag of chips is probably fine. A bento box, not so much.
Buckle Up the Pup
We know you want to be close to your dog, and it’s tempting to let him sit in your lap in the car. But it doesn’t take much for even small dogs to become a distraction. The best-behaved dogs can react to their environment unexpectedly, and cause you to take your eyes off the road.
Keeping your pup off your lap is for his own safety. If you’re in an accident with your dog in your lap, he could be seriously injured. You could be, too. If the airbag deploys and your dog is between you and the airbag, the stakes are high. The safety features in your car will be less effective if something is blocking them.
Crates that are anchored or harnesses adapted for seatbelts are the best option for bringing your dog on a car ride.
Mobile Makeup Fails
It’s hard enough to apply a flawless winged eyeliner when you’re in front of the bathroom mirror. You can’t reasonably expect to slay with your makeup look if you put it on while driving. A moving vehicle and makeup just don’t mix. All it takes is a sneaky pothole, and your eyeball and mascara wand will meet. Ouch.
Even if you’re at a stoplight, you can be ticketed for personal grooming behind the wheel. Shaving, applying makeup, and brushing your teeth can all earn you the same fine as texting. Plus, who wants to brush their teeth in their car anyway?
Focused Driving Pays Off
If you like low insurance bills, clean driving records, and undamaged cars, then driving distracted isn’t for you. Do yourself and other drivers a favor, and keep your eyes on the prize: the road.